VOInews, Jakarta: President Joko Widodo said that ASEAN is not immune to various global challenges and geopolitical rivalries, especially in the Indo-Pacific region. Therefore, according to him, the ASEAN Indo-Pacific Forum (AIPF) was held to change the paradigm of rivalry into fruitful cooperation.
"The ASEAN Indo-Pacific Forum is here to turn rivalry into fruitful cooperation and build a habit of cooperation that is win-win formula without anyone feeling excluded," he said in his remarks at the opening of the AIPF 2023, in Jakarta, Tuesday (5/9/2023).
President Joko Widodo explained that AIPF 2023 has a number of main agendas that will be discussed, namely green infrastructure and resilient supply chains. According to him, the ASEAN economy will grow stronger through downstream industries.
"The development of the ev ecosystem is a concrete example of building a regional supply chain," he said.
Another thing that will be discussed in AIPF 2023 is sustainable and innovative financing. The President explained that ASEAN needs around USD29.4 trillion for the energy transition.
"And innovative financing schemes are needed through profitable and sustainable partnerships," he said.
In addition, AIPF 2023 also has a main agenda related to digital transformation and creative economy. According to the President, the digital economy in ASEAN in 2030 is expected to grow to USD1 trillion.
"The adoption of digital innovation needs to be strengthened to support the creative economy and MSMEs (Micro, Small and Medium Enterprises)," he said.
The President also expressed his appreciation for the support and contribution of ASEAN countries and ASEAN Partners, resulting in 93 cooperation projects worth USD38.2 billion and 73 potential projects worth USD17.8 billion.
"This reflects our commitment to work the talk. Building a peaceful, stable and prosperous Indo-Pacific. Hopefully our efforts can provide great benefits for the people in the region and the world," he concluded. (VOI/Andy)